FALL 2017
maskmatters.org
47
BE A
ROLE
MODEL
S
ports performance coach,
speaker and author Allistair
McCaw says children are
excellent imitators, so parents
should give them something
great to imitate. Here are six
ways parents can act as role
models for their children, even
while standing on the sidelines.
J
Don’t support only your child.
Cheer for your child’s teammates
and the team as a whole. This
teaches kids to be happy for the
success of others. Remind them
that there is no “I” in team, and
that their sport is a collaborative,
team effort. Focusing on the team
can take the pressure off your
own child.
J
Practice good karma.
Remember the old adage: If you
have nothing nice to say, don’t
say anything at all. Negative
comments simply add stress,
pressure and hostility to the
environment. Use positive and
constructive criticism that will
inspire and encourage your child
and his or her teammates.
J
Don’t put your child on a
pedestal.
This shows your child
that no matter how talented they
are, the greatest quality they can
possess is sportsmanship and
compassion.
Applaud the other team, too.
Congratulating the opposing
players creates a healthy and
happy environment for your child.
They learn to be a good winner
and loser and, most importantly,
it keeps sports in perspective for
your child. Remember: this is only
a game and they are playing it
because it’s fun.
J
Show gratitude.
Make sure to
thank everyone, from the parent
volunteers and referees, to the
coaches.
J
Reward effort, not the result.
Remember to be proud that your
child is healthy, happy, and trying
their best. That should make them
a winner in every parent’s eyes.
Source: Active for Life
